MEPs elected former Commissioner Antonio Tajani (EPP) to replace Martin Schulz (S&D) as President of the European Parliament, after an historic series of four ballots.

Transcript:

This election was democratic. As I told you earlier today, I will represent all of you as president. . I will respect all MEPs and all groups. Now, according to the rules of procedure, we turn to the election of the president of the European Parliament. Mr. Verhofstadt, just a few moments ago, told me he was withdrawing his candidacy. We have to defend democracy. I believe that without democracy, there is no freedom for our citizens. Freedom is the key to the European Union, to our civilisation, to our history and to the future of the European Union. Thank you so much. As none of the candidates have obtained a majority of votes, we will proceed to a second round. I will remind you that in accordance with article 16 paragraph 1 of the procedure, only the two candidates with the most votes from the third round may present themselves for the fourth round. These are Mr. Pittella and Mr. Tajani.

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